Red Bull aims to kill giants

Horner, speaking at the Autosport International Racing Car Show on Thursday, admits that he had much to learn having recently replaced Dave Pitchforth and Tony Purnell in the former Jaguar Racing outfit's management structure, but says his main goal this season is to establish credibility for the team.

"My aim is keep an open mind and bring some new direction to the team," he said. "I expect the team's targets to move during the course of the season. But I do think we have the ability to punch above our weight from time to time.

"The most important thing for us is to establish credibility on the track and in the paddock.

"It's going to be a challenge. After all is there ever a good time to come into F1? I'm very much the new kid on the block so the first month will about watching, learning and evaluating."

In a sport dominated by manufacturers, privately-owned teams have failed to make an impact in recent seasons, but Horner believes that Red Bull is taking its latest venture very seriously.

"Red Bull have thought long and hard about their entry into F1 as a team owner and are not in this simply to take part," he said. "They know where they want to be. Jaguar had a good set-up, there is much potential in the team, and certainly enough to put the car on the front row of the grid in Malaysia last year."

"Don't underestimate the potential of the package. We have a fantastic driver line-up and the staff back at the factory have impressed me massively with their ability and motivation."

"David Coulthard is a vital and integral part of the team. What he can contribute to the team is already beginning to bear fruit. He is very fast, he is highly motivated and he wants this project to succeed.

Horner would not be drawn on the identity of Coulthard's partner but admitted the team is likely to evaluate both Vitanantonio Liuzzi and Christian Klien further before making a decision.

"There is no rush to decide on a team-mate for him," he said. "Both the drivers we have signed will test again this month before we make a decision. We have a very talented driver line-up. Liuzzi did an outstanding job in F3000, but he really has to prove what he can do in F1 and that's what he will be judged on. Klien had a reasonable rookie year and is looking to build on that."